By Anne Neely-Beck
Milledgeville, GA
Growing interest in gardens and flower shows
In Woman’s World (May 1930), the magazine noted a remarkable increase in gardening and flower shows over the previous three years. It also observed that, “When intelligently planned, a flower show is a stimulus to amateur gardeners and an educational exhibit of exceptional value.” Still true today.
A modern connection
That sentiment still rings true today. I’m actively involved in garden clubs and judging, and I enjoy reading about gardening in the past. Notably, the first garden club in the United States was founded in Athens, Georgia, in 1891.
Gardening attire: then and now
Today, I’m happy in an old pair of shorts and a T-shirt. During the Model A era, however, gardeners followed a more formal set of expectations. Typical attire included:
- An attractive garden suit, often described as a two-piece outfit made from American oil-print calico
- Full trousers that resembled a skirt, designed for comfort while kneeling and bending
- A gardening hat
Outfits for young gardeners
Sources from the period also described charming outfits for little girl gardeners, often featuring:
- A dress, bonnet, and handbag
- Dainty printed fabric, trimmed with a contrasting color
- A few embroidery stitches for decoration
